Dots, lines, contours, and ends: An image-based review of esophageal pathology

Nandan Keshav; Sameen Khalid; Gulshan Parasher; Fiona Cassidy; William Thompson; Masoud Shiehmorteza

doi:10.1016/j.ejro.2021.100361

Dots, lines, contours, and ends: An image-based review of esophageal pathology

Eur J Radiol Open. 2021 Jun 5:8:100361. doi: 10.1016/j.ejro.2021.100361. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Nandan Keshav¹, Sameen Khalid², Gulshan Parasher², Fiona Cassidy³, William Thompson¹, Masoud Shiehmorteza¹

Affiliations

¹ University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, MSC10 5530, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, United States.
² University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, MSC 10 5550, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, United States.
³ University of California San Diego School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, 8929 University Center Ln #101, San Diego, CA, 92122, United States.

Abstract

Esophageal pathologies encountered on fluoroscopic examination may pose a diagnostic challenge to the interpreting Radiologist. Understanding the varied imaging appearances of esophageal pathology requires a thorough understanding of barium esophagography. This article reviews the various fluoroscopic imaging findings of different esophageal pathologies by describing an approach to image interpretation centered on dots, lines, contours, and ends. By utilizing this approach, the Radiologist will be better positioned to reconcile seemingly disparate pathologies into a cogent and succinct differential diagnosis.

Keywords: Fluoroscopy; Oesophageal patterns; Oesophaghus; Oesophagram.

Publication types

Review